<p>I am working in a research lab this summer. I noticed in another post that someone was keeping track of a law firm internship as "volunteer" hours. Is there a need for me to count the hours I work in the lab? Although I am officially considered a volunteer, I'm not helping anyone directly - they're helping me with my project. </p>
<p>Basically, when I submit my applications, what 'category' will I put the research under, and do I need to include a number of hours? I also did research last summer, but did not keep track of it, so what would I do about that?</p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Technically it is, since you arent being paid, but the connotative meaning of volunteer is totally different, I think it would be misleading to label lab research as volunteer hours.
However, if the project is somehow community related, or will end up helping people, I think you could say it is, but you know best.</p>
<p>I’d say no, but it’s still an extra-curricular activity worth reporting.</p>
<p>^it’s definitely an activity that’s worth reporting.</p>
<p>ncm, I did list some of my volunteer hours in a research lab as “volunteer hours” then elaborated on it in the additional information section. I don’t think it really matters where you mention it, since I’m sure admission officers will understand what it means anyway.</p>
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<p>Actually, I listed the times I spend helping out at the lab with tasks other than my own research as “volunteer hours”, then counted my own research project as “independent research”. I think in your case, you can mention it as an extracurricular activity (“science research”) then elaborate it on it in the additional information section. That way, you can also include the title of your project and a short summary of your work.</p>
<p>It isn’t something I’m going put on college apps as community service but I DO plan on using it for my NHS community service requirement for the summer.</p>
<p>I’m definitely mentioning it on my apps though, just not under “community service.”</p>
<p>Thanks for all the responses! I think I’ll keep track of the hours, but not put it as ‘volunteer hours’ on the common app. I hope to enter research competitions, so I’ll get a lot out of this experience.</p>
<p>@rainbowrose - Do you know for sure if this counts for NHS? In my school NHS requires a LOT of hours, and I’m not sure I’ll have that many.</p>
<p>I feel like it should count as volunteer hours. I’m in the same situation as you are. I worked in a lab all last summer without pay, so I was thinking those hours would count as “volunteer hours.” However, I am getting paid this summer, so I was thinking it would now count as work experience. Would it still be possible to list the research I’ve done as an extracurricular?</p>